Job Description
Job Posting End Date: June 2, 2024
Standard Job Description:
Assistant External Relations Officer
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships: The incumbent receives close supervision regarding external relations and public information issues from the External Relations Officer or the Representative, who provide regular guidance and advice. Other senior staff and support units in a country office/operation may also offer advice and operational support. External contacts typically include officials from national and international institutions, media, or the general public on matters important to the Organization.
Duties:
- Assist management in addressing challenges related to political context, UN and humanitarian reform, and institutional developments in forced displacement and humanitarian operations.
- Help plan and organize communication strategies to garner support for UNHCR’s operations from external partners.
- Facilitate dialogue with donors and embassies, providing accurate information through regular briefings, bilateral meetings, and missions.
- Assist management in disseminating information on UNHCR’s global funding situation and mobilize additional funds for special projects aimed at enhancing protection for persons of concern.
- Participate in inter-agency cooperation and communication strategies, initiatives, and tools when requested.
- Manage information flows within country operations by identifying priority matters, securing, analyzing, and disseminating documentation and information to support country operations and corporate communication processes.
- Draft various communication materials such as situation reports, briefing notes, press releases, and articles.
- Plan and organize promotional activities like advertisements, exhibitions, training seminars, conferences, meetings, and social events to enhance understanding of UNHCR’s activities and achievements.
- Support media relations management by drafting responses, press releases, and organizing briefings and visits to country operations.
- Coordinate press briefings for external parties as needed.
- Organize the distribution of UNHCR publications and provide materials to various institutions and individuals.
- Produce reports for donor agencies as required.
- Support risk identification and management efforts and seize opportunities impacting objectives. Raise risks, issues, and concerns to supervisors or relevant colleagues.
- Perform other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Education & Professional Work Experience:
- For P1/NOA level: 1 year relevant experience with an Undergraduate degree; or no experience with a Graduate degree; or no experience with a Doctorate degree.
- Field(s) of Education:
- Political Sciences, Social Sciences, International Relations, Journalism, Communication, or other relevant fields.
- Functional Skills:
- IT-Computer Literacy, IT-Web Content Management, CO-Drafting and Documentation.
- Language Requirements:
- For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
- For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
- For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.
Desired Candidate Profile:
- Previous experience working with the UN is an advantage, along with field and management experience.
- Knowledge and/or experience of UNHCR mandate is also advantageous.
- Fluency in English and Kinyarwanda is mandatory, with knowledge of French desired.
- Rwandan nationality is required.
- Specific skills and experiences desired include:
- Experience in external relations, donor relations, resource mobilization, and fundraising.
- Proficiency in report writing.
- Knowledge and experience in interagency coordination and development of refugee response plans.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, using diplomacy, clear language, and analysis to inform and communicate with partner agencies and displaced populations.
